Best Campgrounds near Paonia, CO

Searching for the best camping near Paonia, CO? Paonia is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Paonia camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Paonia, Colorado (245)

    1. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-1914

    $20 - $34 / night

    "The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"

    "Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."

    2. Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park

    15 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 921-5721

    $36 / night

    "Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."

    "Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."

    3. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    59 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"

    "A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."

    4. The Campground at Big B’s Delicious Orchards

    6 Reviews
    Paonia, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 527-1110

    $25 - $170 / night

    "Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night."

    "Our only complaint was that it was quite hot (topped out near 100 degrees)."

    5. Sage View Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Paonia, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (303) 522-2210

    "Breathing mountain views, walking distance to the town and wine tasting, hanging with goats and chickens, peaceful, safe and definitely relaxing."

    "Location is hard to beat."

    6. BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lazear, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "This campground is a gem as other reviewers have cited, BUT the road in is dangerous when wet as there is a lot of exposure off the edge. An AWD would be ok but still dicey on the downhills."

    "Plenty of distance between campsites. No electricity or water. 1 satellite toilet... and a great fishing dock and a small beach."

    7. North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    20 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $20 / night

    "Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "

    "Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."

    8. Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

    27 Reviews
    Marble, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 - $166 / night

    "Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."

    "Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."

    9. Kebler Corner

    5 Reviews
    Somerset, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 929-5029

    $35 - $725 / night

    "It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."

    "The tent spots were in a different area on the other side of the property a little away from the busier parts."

    10. Lost Lake Campground

    14 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."

    "There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."

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Recent Reviews near Paonia, CO

1214 Reviews of 245 Paonia Campgrounds


  • Donnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lands End Camp

    LONG views from the edge of the mesa

    Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot. Glow of the city lights from below at night is pretty. During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lost Lake Campground

    Spread out sites amongst the woods

    We love staying here. The campsites were well laid out among the woods. The hiking trails are amazing. The views of the mountain ranges though are a bit limited based upon the location. We are here in late September and it was full but we were lucky enough to get a space after a couple people left

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

    Developed RV resort

    Try out the wilderness area. It is in the same resort but feels more like forested camp ground but can't take RVs over 30 feet, perhaps shorter. Also has water and power but no dump hookup. The main club house is very nice with an indoor pool. The staff is very friendly.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Great Spot!!

    This was a great spot just outside The Black Canyon of Gunnison NP. When we arrived there was not anyone there. By the morning there was only 2-3 other campers. Seems like there are quite a few spots. Some better than others. Road is not too but I would recommend a higher clearance vehicle but we never had to use 4WD.

  • Sheila J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Elk Creek Campground

    Beautiful park

    Stayed one night in campsite 02 pull thru. Campground is quiet and sites are spaced out nicely. Great value for site with power. You can walk down to the lake which is beautiful.

  • Topher B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Flat Tops OHV Area

    Great spot

    There are no fees as of my visit. Just outside of town, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful. Big ohv and dirt bike spot.

    However, you basically pull into a parking spot. If you go further up the road, it seems like there's basically no regulations here

  • Philip P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping

    Camping with the Cows!!

    On a friend’s recommendation, we ventured out to this fantastic camping area, just 20 minutes outside of Crested Butte. We were eager to pitch our tent and secure a spot, as our friend had mentioned that it was likely to be “popular.” Surprisingly, at 2:30 PM on a Friday, it seemed to be the last campground available.

    We were thrilled with our choice. The campsite offered a breathtaking view of Gothic Mountain, surrounded by a mix of RVs, campervans, and car campers. What truly set this place apart were the cows grazing peacefully around us.

    While our section of campers didn’t offer much privacy, other sections further up the road provided more seclusion but at the cost of the stunning views of Gothic Mountain.

    After setting up camp and taking a short hike up the road, we returned to Crested Butte to watch our son play soccer. Afterward, we had a quick and delicious dinner at the renowned Secret Stash before heading back to the campsite.

  • Philippe M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    90 Rd Dispersed

    Only dispersed site available around Montrose

    This camp is dispersed, with beautiful views of Montrose, gorgeous sunrise, and is daily level. There’s no maintenance of any kind, it was reasonably clean, and it was pleasant. We took showers at Ridgeway state park campground. This is 20 mins from the highway in Montrose. It was 52 at night in late September. 80 for a high.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Owl Creek Pass

    Great site with view of mountains

    Great site in the trees with a huge open area if wanted


Guide to Paonia

Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. For instance, the Chasm Trail at the North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park starts right from the campsite and provides amazing canyon views. One camper noted, "The trail to the rim is right behind the campground. It's a nice and cool spot during a hot summer."
  • Fishing: The Elk Creek Campground is close to great fishing spots in the Gunnison River. A visitor shared, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
  • Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, are known for their dark skies. One camper mentioned, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. At the Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were super clean, showers were awesome."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping noted, "Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Lake Irwin Campground provide breathtaking views. A camper remarked, "Beautiful day hiking and swimming."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A visitor warned, "No bathrooms or amenities."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At the Elk Creek Campground, one camper shared, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening."
  • Busy Seasons: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S mentioned, "This is a very busy campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Shade: Many campgrounds have limited shade. A reviewer at South Rim Campground suggested, "Bring a shade tent or shelter!"
  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and water activities. At Crawford State Park, one family enjoyed, "Great loops for biking with kids."
  • Safety Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Elk Creek Campground advised, "Bear spray may be a good idea."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Redstone White River National Forest noted, "The sites are large and spaced out, which is great."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Some campgrounds can get windy. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "The wind is pretty bad. Seems like it gets windy every day."
  • Watch for Rodents: Be cautious of rodents at certain sites. A visitor at Crawford State Park shared, "The campground has a serious rodent issue."

Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Paonia, Colorado?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Paonia. Erickson Springs offers a rustic experience right on Anthracite Creek, just off Kebler Pass Road. It's a basic USFS campground with good hiking access to Dark Canyon in the Raggeds Wilderness and fishing opportunities. Another great option is Kebler Corner, situated between Paonia and Kebler Pass with the peaceful sounds of the river nearby. For those willing to venture a bit further, Redstone in White River National Forest provides quiet, tree-surrounded sites with warm showers, while Oh Be Joyful Campground near Crested Butte offers spectacular mountain views with an honor system for fees.

Is there RV camping available in Paonia?

Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins (formerly Tall Texan) offers excellent RV accommodations near Paonia and is described by campers as one of the most beautiful RV parks in Colorado. For those wanting to be closer to recreational activities, The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards near Hotchkiss provides drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. While Paonia itself has limited RV-specific camping, the surrounding area offers several options with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Most RV sites in the region fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are recommended.

What amenities are available at Paonia State Park for campers?

Paonia State Park Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic setting. The campground is located about 15 miles from town and features vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings at each site. The sites are situated under shrubs that provide some shade but can harbor mosquitoes, especially during wet seasons. While the park includes a reservoir, water levels can fluctuate significantly, sometimes completely drying up by late summer. Some campers experience wildlife encounters, including cattle from nearby ranches occasionally wandering through. For more amenities, Crawford State Park nearby offers more reliable water recreation and better-maintained facilities.